Hector Anseo

Ireland’s most famous intrepid traveller, Hector Ó hEochagáin, is currently in lockdown, just like the rest of us.

Bored of painting the house, mowing the lawn, making dinners and watching the telly, he has decided that his garden shed will become his studio as he takes the opportunity to bring some laughs and good times back to the people of Ireland.

Hector Anseo is a six-part series of one-hour programmes that will transcend the lockdown. They will begin with Hector in his own shed talking to the nation, building their hopes, championing their survival skills.

Joining Hector for the first episode on Thursday, May 21 (9.30 p.m.), will be Michael Healy Rae, Gráinne Seoige from South Africa, Trevor Brennan, the former Ireland, Leinster and Toulouse rugby player and now a publican, coming live from Toulouse, Dan Shanahan, ex-Waterford hurling All-Star, Conor Moore, golf impersonator, and Gavin James, the award-winning singer songwriter.

Gráinne will chat to Hector about lockdown in South Africa and the strict rules they must abide by, such as only allowing walks between 6 and 9 a.m. and requiring residents to wear a mask once outside your home.

Trevor Brennan will tell Hector about his 43 loyal staff and how Covid-19 has affected his business and what the future looks like for him in Toulouse, while Michael Healy Rae will speak about how quickly life can change and how vulnerable we all are.

With guests from the world of music, sport, culture and celebrity, Hector will embrace all that makes us Irish, all that makes us entertaining, sporty, gamey and personable as a nation.

A fresh and appealing series, it will help wipe away the blues and bring a new voice of hope, courage and encouragement to the masses each week.

Hector is the catalyst that will take us from lockdown to a new much-changed future. Tune in to Hector Anseo each Thursday evening at 9.30 p.m.